The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Tom Lawson, ordered today that an external independent review is to be conducted of workplace policies and procedures within the Canadian Armed Forces.
This review will be focused on examining the workplace of the Canadian Armed Forces, the policies and programs which are in place to combat occurrences of sexual misconduct, the measures which are in place to protect victims, and measurement of the effectiveness of the policies.
This review will be led by an independent and respected third party, supported by representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, and other subject matter experts as required.
The review will be provided clear terms of reference to focus the review, and to outline a desired timeline for their report.
Additional information will be made public as it becomes available.
"I am profoundly disturbed by allegations regarding the potential extent of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces. I do not accept that sexual misconduct is part of our military culture. We must maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in all areas of our conduct.
It must be clear to everyone within the CAF that complainants are free to report any misconduct, and that they will be supported by their chain of command without fear of reprisal. With the benefit of external involvement in the review, I will be better assured as the Chief of the Defence Staff that all men and women in uniform, and their chain of command, have the best possible mechanisms in place to assure this."
General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff
Associated Products
Combating Sexual Misconduct within the CAF
